TEAM TRANSFORMATION TACTICS
FOR HOLISTIC TESTING AND QUALITY LISI HOCKE
@lisihocke
DISCLAIMER
@lisihocke
DISCLAIMER
@lisihocke
Based on my experience
DISCLAIMER
@lisihocke
Based on my experience
Inspired by countless people
DISCLAIMER
@lisihocke
Based on my experience
Snapshot in time
Inspired by countless people
DISCLAIMER
@lisihocke
Based on my experience
Snapshot in time
Tactics are fallible
Inspired by countless people
DISCLAIMER
@lisihocke
Based on my experience
Snapshot in time
Tactics are fallible
Tactics for winning as team
Inspired by countless people
DISCLAIMER
@lisihocke
Based on my experience
Snapshot in time
Tactics are fallible
Tactics for winning as team
Teams transformed themselves
Inspired by countless people
AGENDA
@lisihocke
Holistic Testing and Quality
The Team’s Starting Point
A Toolbox of Tactics
The Next Step
AGENDA
@lisihocke
Holistic Testing and Quality
The Team’s Starting Point
A Toolbox of Tactics
The Next Step
AGENDA
@lisihocke
Holistic Testing and Quality
The Team’s Starting Point
A Toolbox of Tactics
The Next Step
AGENDA
@lisihocke
Holistic Testing and Quality
The Team’s Starting Point
A Toolbox of Tactics
The Next Step
AGENDA
@lisihocke
Holistic Testing and Quality
The Team’s Starting Point
A Toolbox of Tactics
The Next Step
HOLISTIC TESTING
AND QUALITY
WHY EVEN
BOTHER?
@lisihocke
HOLISTIC?
@lisihocke
HOLISTIC?
@lisihocke
All the time
HOLISTIC?
@lisihocke
All the time
Everywhere
HOLISTIC?
@lisihocke
All the time
Everywhere
Everything
HOLISTIC?
@lisihocke
All the time
Everywhere
By everyone
Everything
MY EXPERIENCE IS BASED ON MY TEAMS
@lisihocke
MY EXPERIENCE IS BASED ON MY TEAMS
@lisihocke
Product development teams
MY EXPERIENCE IS BASED ON MY TEAMS
@lisihocke
Product development teams
Cross-functional
MY EXPERIENCE IS BASED ON MY TEAMS
@lisihocke
Product development teams
Cross-functional
Embedded hands-on
A MYRIAD OF TEAM PROBLEMS
@lisihocke
A MYRIAD OF TEAM PROBLEMS
@lisihocke
Poor delivery
A MYRIAD OF TEAM PROBLEMS
@lisihocke
Poor delivery Limited communication
A MYRIAD OF TEAM PROBLEMS
@lisihocke
Poor delivery Limited communication
Expert role thinking
A MYRIAD OF TEAM PROBLEMS
@lisihocke
Poor delivery Limited communication
Expert role thinking Lots of handovers
A MYRIAD OF TEAM PROBLEMS
@lisihocke
Poor delivery Limited communication
Expert role thinking Lots of handovers
Poor system understanding
A MYRIAD OF TEAM PROBLEMS
@lisihocke
Poor delivery Limited communication
Expert role thinking Lots of handovers
Poor system understanding
Lack of safety & trust
A MYRIAD OF TEAM PROBLEMS
@lisihocke
Poor delivery Limited communication
Expert role thinking Lots of handovers
Poor system understanding
Quick to blame
Lack of safety & trust
A MYRIAD OF TEAM PROBLEMS
@lisihocke
Poor delivery Limited communication
Expert role thinking Lots of handovers
Poor system understanding
Quick to blame Inaction
Lack of safety & trust
A MYRIAD OF TEAM PROBLEMS
@lisihocke
Poor delivery Limited communication
Expert role thinking Lots of handovers
Poor system understanding
Quick to blame Inaction
Lack of safety & trust
Lack of transparency
A MYRIAD OF TEAM PROBLEMS
@lisihocke
Poor delivery Limited communication
Expert role thinking Lots of handovers
Poor system understanding
Quick to blame Inaction
Lack of safety & trust
Gatekeeping
Lack of transparency
A MYRIAD OF TEAM PROBLEMS
@lisihocke
Poor delivery Limited communication
Expert role thinking Lots of handovers
Poor system understanding
Quick to blame Inaction
Knowledge silos
Lack of safety & trust
Gatekeeping
Lack of transparency
A MYRIAD OF TEAM PROBLEMS
@lisihocke
Poor delivery Limited communication
Expert role thinking Lots of handovers
Poor system understanding
Quick to blame Inaction
Knowledge silos … and many more
Lack of safety & trust
Gatekeeping
Lack of transparency
BENEFITS OF MAKING THINGS A TEAM THING
@lisihocke
BENEFITS OF MAKING THINGS A TEAM THING
@lisihocke
Inclusion and access
BENEFITS OF MAKING THINGS A TEAM THING
@lisihocke
Inclusion and access Shared knowledge & skills
BENEFITS OF MAKING THINGS A TEAM THING
@lisihocke
Inclusion and access Shared knowledge & skills
Resilience
BENEFITS OF MAKING THINGS A TEAM THING
@lisihocke
Inclusion and access Shared knowledge & skills
Resilience
Flow for faster delivery
BENEFITS OF MAKING THINGS A TEAM THING
@lisihocke
Inclusion and access Shared knowledge & skills
Resilience
Flow for faster delivery
Team accountability
BENEFITS OF MAKING THINGS A TEAM THING
@lisihocke
Inclusion and access Shared knowledge & skills
Resilience
Flow for faster delivery
Team accountability
Empathy & appreciation
BENEFITS OF MAKING THINGS A TEAM THING
@lisihocke
Inclusion and access Shared knowledge & skills
Resilience
Flow for faster delivery
Team accountability
Empathy & appreciation
Increased support
BENEFITS OF MAKING THINGS A TEAM THING
@lisihocke
Inclusion and access Shared knowledge & skills
Resilience
Flow for faster delivery
Team accountability
Empathy & appreciation
Increased support
Willingness to experiment
BENEFITS OF MAKING THINGS A TEAM THING
@lisihocke
Inclusion and access Shared knowledge & skills
Resilience
Flow for faster delivery
Team accountability
Empathy & appreciation
Increased support
Willingness to experiment
System understanding
BENEFITS OF MAKING THINGS A TEAM THING
@lisihocke
Inclusion and access Shared knowledge & skills
Resilience
Flow for faster delivery
Team accountability
Empathy & appreciation
Increased support
Willingness to experiment
System understanding
Better relationships
BENEFITS OF MAKING THINGS A TEAM THING
@lisihocke
Inclusion and access Shared knowledge & skills
Resilience
Flow for faster delivery
Team accountability
Empathy & appreciation
Increased support
Willingness to experiment
System understanding
Better quality outcome
Better relationships
BENEFITS OF MAKING THINGS A TEAM THING
@lisihocke
Inclusion and access Shared knowledge & skills
Resilience
Flow for faster delivery
Team accountability
Empathy & appreciation
Increased support
Willingness to experiment
System understanding
Better quality outcome
Better relationships
Stronger team
THE TEAM’S STARTING POINT KNOW WHAT
YOU CAN EXPECT
@lisihocke
A NOTE ON POWER & INFLUENCE
@lisihocke
Power bases
(French & Raven)
https://bit.ly/power-bases
Impact over
intention
https://bit.ly/impact-over-intention
TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE
@lisihocke
TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE
@lisihocke
Changes takes time
TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE
@lisihocke
Changes takes time
Sowing seeds is worth it
TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE
@lisihocke
Changes takes time
Sowing seeds is worth it
Don’t run too fast for people to follow
TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE
@lisihocke
Changes takes time
Sowing seeds is worth it
Don’t run too fast for people to follow
It might not be the right time yet
TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE
@lisihocke
Changes takes time
Sowing seeds is worth it
Don’t run too fast for people to follow
It might not be the right time yet
Setbacks are a given
OBSERVE BEFORE YOU CHOOSE A TACTIC
@lisihocke
OBSERVE BEFORE YOU CHOOSE A TACTIC
@lisihocke
Context matters
OBSERVE BEFORE YOU CHOOSE A TACTIC
@lisihocke
Context matters
Look for pain points, needs, concerns, fears, wishes
PICK YOUR BATTLES
@lisihocke
PICK YOUR BATTLES
@lisihocke
Focus with impact in mind
PICK YOUR BATTLES
@lisihocke
Focus with impact in mind
Preserve your energy
DARE TO TRY, AND TRY AGAIN
@lisihocke
DARE TO TRY, AND TRY AGAIN
@lisihocke
We can only change ourselves
DARE TO TRY, AND TRY AGAIN
@lisihocke
We can only change ourselves
Take courage and take action
A TOOLBOX OF TACTICS CHOICE
SELECTION
@lisihocke
WHAT’S IN THE BOX?
@lisihocke
1. People first
2. Meet people where they are
3. Show, don’t tell
4. Make sharing the default
5. Build on existing energies
6. Optimize for flow
7. A bit better every day
8. Change the narrative
9. Build resilience in
10. Work through conflict
11. Make space for everyone
12. Optimism goes a long way
(Here’s room for more)
PEOPLE FIRST
@lisihocke
1
PEOPLE FIRST
@lisihocke
Show curiosity to foster relationships
1
PEOPLE FIRST
@lisihocke
Show curiosity to foster relationships
Appreciate what’s working well
1
PEOPLE FIRST
@lisihocke
Show curiosity to foster relationships
Appreciate what’s working well
Contribute hands-on to build trust
1
PEOPLE FIRST
@lisihocke
Show curiosity to foster relationships
Appreciate what’s working well
Contribute hands-on to build trust
Help and ask for help
1
MEET PEOPLE WHERE THEY ARE
@lisihocke
2
MEET PEOPLE WHERE THEY ARE
@lisihocke
Don’t assume, learn
2
MEET PEOPLE WHERE THEY ARE
@lisihocke
Don’t assume, learn
Speak their language
2
MEET PEOPLE WHERE THEY ARE
@lisihocke
Don’t assume, learn
Speak their language
Work where they work
2
MEET PEOPLE WHERE THEY ARE
@lisihocke
Don’t assume, learn
Speak their language
Work where they work
Accept they can only
go at their own pace
2
SHOW, DON’T TELL
@lisihocke
3
SHOW, DON’T TELL
@lisihocke
Let people experience it
3
SHOW, DON’T TELL
@lisihocke
Let people experience it
Encourage to experiment
3
MAKE SHARING THE DEFAULT
@lisihocke
4
MAKE SHARING THE DEFAULT
@lisihocke
Share access
4
MAKE SHARING THE DEFAULT
@lisihocke
Share access
Share knowledge
4
MAKE SHARING THE DEFAULT
@lisihocke
Share access
Share knowledge
Share load, including glue work
4
MAKE SHARING THE DEFAULT
@lisihocke
Share access
Share knowledge
Share load, including glue work
Share pain
4
MAKE SHARING THE DEFAULT
@lisihocke
Share access
Share knowledge
Share load, including glue work
Share pain
4
Share credit
BUILD ON EXISTING ENERGIES
@lisihocke
5
BUILD ON EXISTING ENERGIES
@lisihocke
Shape the system
5
BUILD ON EXISTING ENERGIES
@lisihocke
Piggyback on existing practices
Shape the system
5
BUILD ON EXISTING ENERGIES
@lisihocke
Piggyback on existing practices
Shape the system
Build on intrinsic motivation
5
OPTIMIZE FOR FLOW
@lisihocke
6
OPTIMIZE FOR FLOW
@lisihocke
Discover faster ways to collaborate
6
OPTIMIZE FOR FLOW
@lisihocke
Discover faster ways to collaborate
Stop starting, start finishing
6
OPTIMIZE FOR FLOW
@lisihocke
Discover faster ways to collaborate
Stop starting, start finishing
Slow down to go fast
6
A BIT BETTER EVERY DAY
@lisihocke
7
A BIT BETTER EVERY DAY
@lisihocke
Be okay with good enough
7
A BIT BETTER EVERY DAY
@lisihocke
Be okay with good enough
Take tiny steps
7
CHANGE THE NARRATIVE
@lisihocke
8
CHANGE THE NARRATIVE
@lisihocke
Reframe the situation
8
CHANGE THE NARRATIVE
@lisihocke
Reframe the situation
Tell it into existence
8
BUILD RESILIENCE IN
@lisihocke
9
BUILD RESILIENCE IN
@lisihocke
Focus on enabling
9
BUILD RESILIENCE IN
@lisihocke
Focus on enabling
Refrain from solo work
9
BUILD RESILIENCE IN
@lisihocke
Focus on enabling
Refrain from solo work
Go away to test it out
9
WORK THROUGH CONFLICT
@lisihocke
10
WORK THROUGH CONFLICT
@lisihocke
Put the fish on the table before it rots
10
WORK THROUGH CONFLICT
@lisihocke
Put the fish on the table before it rots
Don’t assume, ask
10
MAKE SPACE FOR EVERYONE
@lisihocke
11
MAKE SPACE FOR EVERYONE
@lisihocke
Cater to people’s needs
11
MAKE SPACE FOR EVERYONE
@lisihocke
Cater to people’s needs
11
Hear all voices
MAKE SPACE FOR EVERYONE
@lisihocke
Cater to people’s needs
Opt for joint decisions that get lived
11
Hear all voices
OPTIMISM GOES A LONG WAY
@lisihocke
12
OPTIMISM GOES A LONG WAY
@lisihocke
Radiate confidence we can figure this out together
12
OPTIMISM GOES A LONG WAY
@lisihocke
Radiate confidence we can figure this out together
Celebrate all the things
12
MY TOOLBOX OF TACTICS
@lisihocke
1. People first
2. Meet people where they are
3. Show, don’t tell
4. Make sharing the default
5. Build on existing energies
6. Optimize for flow
7. A bit better every day
8. Change the narrative
9. Build resilience in
10. Work through conflict
11. Make space for everyone
12. Optimism goes a long way
(Here’s room for more)
SO WHAT ABOUT TESTING AND QUALITY?
@lisihocke
SO WHAT ABOUT TESTING AND QUALITY?
@lisihocke
Team culture is the foundation for everything
THE NEXT STEP OVER TO YOU
@lisihocke
GET STARTED WITH A FIRST STEP
@lisihocke
BUILD YOUR OWN TOOLBOX AS YOU GO
@lisihocke
WE’RE NOT ALONE ON THIS JOURNEY
@lisihocke
THANK YOU! www.lisihocke.com
@lisihocke
Together we can move the world, step by step
THANK YOU! www.lisihocke.com
@lisihocke
Together we can move the world, step by step
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Team Transformation Tactics for Holistic Testing and Quality (AgileTD Open Air 2023)